Pearse Doherty (Sinn Fein)

It is widely accepted but whether it is true is another matter. I did not say it was a factual truth but that it is accepted. I think the Senator understands that this is something he needs to do to clear his name.

On the issue, it is important that the motion has been tabled and we are seeing some movement on the Dónal de Róiste case. At the time, there was paranoia in the political establishment in this State and anti-republican hysteria was developing. This was also evident in the campaign launched against Adi Roche during the presidential election of 1997 when Dónal de Róiste was tied in with Ms Roche's campaign.

Justice must be done on this issue and must not be long-fingered in response to a motion tabled in this Chamber. In 2006, the chairperson of the Green Party, on which the Government depends, called on the Minister for Defence, Deputy O'Dea, to issue an apology to Dónal de Róiste. Since the resignation of Deputy O'Dea from the Government, responsibility for defence lies firmly in the lap of the Taoiseach. I hope the commitment given in this debate will result in real movement and has not been made to spare the blushes of Senator Boyle. I hope also that the review will be completed within a short timeframe. I welcome the amendment and commend Senator Harris on his motion.